Golden Visa for Company Owners UAE & Entrepreneurs: Best Guide

The Golden visa for company owners UAE allows entrepreneurs and business owners to stay in the UAE. It offers the benefits of long-term UAE company ownership residency, where you can live and work in the UAE for a decade uninterrupted. Along with residency, you can run your business without restrictions and enjoy the tax benefits of the UAE. The UAE is one of the world’s best business hotspots. There is no better place to build a business and secure your future. 

The business setup consultants in Dubai have over 12+ years of experience helping entrepreneurs with business setup in Dubai. We understand every step of the setup process and the growth of a business, and ensure that clients receive the best support during every step of the process.

In this guide, you will find all the useful information needed for the UAE Golden Visa for business owners and the Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs Dubai, including eligibility, the process, benefits, and how to renew your visa seamlessly.

Who Can Get the UAE Golden Visa?  

The Golden Visa is not limited to proprietors of businesses; a wide array of individuals can universally apply for the Golden Visa if the eligibility criteria are satisfied.

These categories of individuals include the following:  

• Investors: Individuals who commit a minimum of AED 2 million to either real estate, businesses, or investment funds within the boundaries of the UAE.  
• Entrepreneurs: Individuals who either own or co-own enterprises classified as small to medium-sized businesses with a yearly income of AED 1 million or higher, or those who UAE business incubators have sponsored.  
• Specially Skilled Individuals: Individuals with the designation of doctor, engineer, scientist, or inventor who possess unusually distinctive competencies or who have received considerable recognition.  
• Exceptional Professionals: Artists, sports persons, high-level managers, and other highly qualified individuals who have received official recognition by the UAE governing bodies.  
• Real Estate Investors: Individuals who own properties with a minimum worth of AED 2 million, inclusive of those with mortgages that comply with certain conditions.  

The extensive criteria for eligibility indicate that the UAE is receptive to a wide spectrum of individuals, thus contributing to unlimited socio-economic benefits.

The Benefits of Doing Business and Living in the UAE

The UAE is great for people who want to own a business. Let’s find out a few reasons the UAE is great. 

• No Income Taxes: The UAE allows individuals and businesses to make more money. Paychecks and business profits, there is more money for the bank. 
• Excellent Infrastructure: The UAE has great internet and superbly developed roads and airports. This makes business operations easier, and the movement of goods is faster.
• Proximity to other markets: The UAE is in a great position for business owners. The UAE is in proximity to Africa, Asia, and Europe, so cross-border trade is very accessible. 
• Great Business Environment: The UAE has a great reputation for businesses. The government is very welcoming and positive towards business operations. 
• Great Environment to Live: The UAE has good and clean living facilities. The hospitals and schools are also of a great standard. 
• Assistance to new businesses: The people in the UAE get support in the form of money and free zones. This has accelerated new businesses to be set up.

Eligibility Rules for Golden Visa  10 year Visa for Business Owners

Across the UAE, the Golden Visa for Business Investors ownership criteria involve investing at least AED 2 million into public investments, business capital, or approved investment funds. Visa applicants also: 

• Have mortgaged property approved under the previously mentioned investment AED 2 million threshold. 
• Own AED 2 million businesses registered either in the mainland or in one of the free trade zones. 
• Keep AED 2 million in a fixed deposit account in a registered UAE bank. 

Dubai Entrepreneur Visa Eligibility Rules 

Entrepreneurs qualify for Golden Visa status by meeting the following criteria: 

• Owning or having a partnership stake in an SME earning AED 1 million or more annually. 
• UAE business incubators, the Ministry of Economy, or approved start-ups filed for acquisition for AED 7 million or more, and have supporting Ministry of Economy documents. 
• Maintaining a health insurance policy for themselves and all family members.

Golden Visa Rules Different by Emirate  

Golden Visa requirements by Emirate differ slightly. 

• Dubai: The applicants submit qualifications online, and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) process the application. 
• Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Residents Office completes the process with additional business approval checks and health insurance requirements. 
• RAKEZ: Ras Al Khaimah has streamlined the process for business setup in Dubai and residency for investors through RAKEZ. 
• Sharjah and Ajman: These Emirates have different rules regarding property values and business registrations.  

Understanding these changes enables you to select the most suitable Emirate and prepare the necessary paperwork.

Documents Needed for the Golden Visa for Company Owners UAE Application

These are the requirements for your application for UAE Golden Visa for partners: 

• A passport that has 6 months’ validity and your Emirates ID if in the UAE.
• Passport-sized pictures with a white background.
• Bank statements to prove your financial capability.
• Trade licenses and the registration papers of your company.
• Proof of investment/ Property owner certificates.
• Health insurance papers for you and your family.
• A medical fitness certificate.
• Approval letters from government offices or business incubators, especially for Dubai entrepreneur visa applicants.

All your paperwork gives you a faster application process.

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs Dubai

Here’s how to apply for a UAE Golden Visa for Business Owners in 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Documents Preparation

• Make sure they are certified.

Step 2: Online Application Using Official Websites

• Make sure to use official URLs to submit your application:
• ICP site for applicants inside or outside the UAE
• GDRFA for applicants who are applying through Dubai
• Dubai Land Department for property investors in Dubai
• This way, your application is processed properly and is secure.

Step 3: Medical Tests and Biometric Scans

• Once your application is approved, go for a health check at an approved centre, then go for biometrics. 
• This means giving your fingerprints and a photo for the Emirates ID.

Step 4: Wait for the Approval and Visa

• You will have to wait for the agency to stamp your visa on your passport or issue your electronic residence permit. 
• It is either a 5-year or 10-year visa, and you get to renew it once it expires.

Step 5: Visa Renewal

• You have to renew your visa to avoid inconveniences. 
• Early visa renewal helps avoid fines or the risk of losing your 10 year visa for business owners.

Renewal Timeline for the Golden visa for company owners UAE 

Unlike the normal visa, your Golden Visa is valid for 10 years, depending on the type of Golden Visa you have. 

To keep your visa valid, you must:

• Renew your visa online after the 5-year mark, then every 10 years.
• Submit regular medical fitness tests.
• Provide updated documentation (health insurance and business proof) that is outlined.
• Pay the renewal fines you have incurred and the fee on time.
• The grace period is slight, but if you go over a certain amount of time, your visa can be cancelled.
• Keep in mind that if your UAE company ownership residency is still valid, your residency visa will not be cancelled if you leave the UAE for some time.
• To avoid complications, it is better to renew your residency visa for the time you will be in the UAE.

Costs and Processing Time for Golden Visa

• For each type of visa, there is a range for the government fees starting from AED 5,000 to AED 11,500.
• You would also need to pay AED 220 for biometric fees.
• For professional service fees, they can also be classified as PRO or business setup help, and will range from USD 1,000 to 5,000.
• The first time you apply for a visa, it can take 5 to 15 business days to process.

Remember, having your documents or medical exams ready can reduce your wait time. 

Since you know about these fees, you can now work on your budget. 

Premium Benefits for the Golden Visa Holders 

More than just long-term residency, the Golden Visa UAE benefits you greatly.  

• Freedom from a Sponsor

You will have the freedom to reside, work, and even start your business in the UAE for ten years without a sponsor. You can easily switch jobs without having to ask for permission from a sponsor or pay for any sponsor debt. 

• Family and Servants

You will have the freedom to bring your spouse, kids (unmarried and under 25), parents, and even a bunch of your domestic workers! 

• Freedom of Work and Travel in the UAE

You can reside and work anywhere in the five Emirates of the UAE, and even change companies without permission from anyone! 

• Long Travel

Golden Visa holders can maintain their UAE company ownership residency. This helps if you travel often and need to keep your residency.  

• No Taxes

All your profits can be kept 100% because you don’t pay taxes.

• Easy Access to Government and Banking Services

The visa holders get faster service for government work, like renewing visas or driver’s licenses. Banks also value the visa for giving loans or credit.

• Discounts with Esaad Card

Visa holders receive an Esaad card with discounts on healthcare, housing, food, travel, entertainment, and school fees, saving money on daily life.

• Assistance While Travelling Abroad

During an emergency, the UAE government safeguards your needs when you are abroad. This can include assistance such as the issuance of emergency travel documentation, responsive assistance to your needs, emergency call assistance, and assistance to your family members.

Common Pitfalls to Consider for a Smooth Process

Obtaining the UAE golden visa for Business Owners can become complicated if you are careless regarding mistakes. 

Here are some you should look out for:

• Inaccurate documentation

Even the smallest of documentation, like a name check, can cause significant delays to your progress. Ensuring dates and spelling your name correct is very important. The documentation you will submit should be complete and accurate at all times.

• Inadequate proof of funds

To surpass all steps on the visa, you should sufficiently show proof of funds and investments. Missing documentation regarding statements and proof of investment will only cause problems.

• Early withdrawal of deposits

For a fixed deposit, the balance should stay put until the visa is renewed. Withdrawing will lead to the cancellation of your visa.

• Delayed visa renewal

To avoid penalties such as losing your residency, ensure your visa is renewed within the allowing timeframe. Missing a deadline will for sure lead to complications.

• Ignoring Taxes and Laws

Balancing your residency is a privilege, and you should be able to comply with UAE standards and pay taxes. Legal penalties will come with the cancellation of your visa.

The Importance of Getting Help with the Golden Visa for shareholders UAE

Getting professional help can make the Golden Visa for Business Investors application process smoother and more successful.

• They Know the Rules

They can pinpoint all of the visa and investment rules and help you avoid certain mistakes.

• Getting Approved Faster

They work on the paperwork and talk to the offices that help approve it so that it can go faster.

• Complete Assistance

They help you with the medical tests, Emirates ID, visa stamping, and renewals.

• Less Stress

Just having professionals help you case gives you less stress and better odds of getting approved.

Hiring trusted immigration and PRO consultants helps you save time and get approval faster.

How PRO Services in Dubai Assist with the Golden Visa in UAE 2025

The PRO Services in Dubai have licensed professionals who assist in the process of obtaining a Golden visa for entrepreneurs Dubai. Most professionals can help you in so many ways.

• They prepare and submit your visa application for the UAE Golden Visa for partners and document certification.
• The business setup consultants in Dubai help you correctly set up your business and attain the necessary business licenses.
• They know the shortest routes to approve visas with the government.
• They help with PRO services such as obtaining your Emirates ID, health insurance, and visa stamping.
• The experts in PRO services Dubai provide insights, especially for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, regarding UAE business laws.

In this way, you can make the process of the Golden Visa for shareholders UAE easier and improve your odds of getting approved.

FAQs for the Golden Visa for Company Owners UAE 

Q1. What do company owners need to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa?

If you want to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, you need to own or be a partner in a UAE-licensed company with shares worth at least AED 500,000. Your business must also have a registered  trade license, proof of a bank account with at least AED 500,000, and proof of paying VAT or have a VAT paying account.   

Q2. Can company owners have 100% ownership under the Golden Visa UAE scheme?

Absolutely! The Golden Visa UAE gives you 100% business ownership with no need for a local sponsor, meaning you have complete control and flexibility.  

Q3. How long is the Golden Visa UAE valid for company owners, and can it be renewed?

UAE Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed as long as you continue to fulfill the requirements, like keeping the business and financial ownership and status.  

Q4. Do UAE Golden Visa holders have the right to sponsor family members?  

Absolutely! Golden Visa holders can sponsor their husbands, children, and parents, to live, study, and work in the UAE.

Q5. What documents does a company owner need to apply for the UAE Golden Visa?  

Important documents needed to apply for the Golden Visa UAE are a passport, Emirates ID (if you have one), a business trade license, Memorandum of Association (MOA), bank statements, VAT certificates, a medical fitness certificate, and proof of health insurance.

Conclusion  

This Golden Visa is a 10 year visa for business owners and entrepreneurs. This provides you and your family with a wonderful and safe life in a rapidly developing country. You have more flexibility to work and live anywhere you wish since you don’t need a local sponsor.

There are a lot of perks for the Dubai entrepreneur visa holders. No income tax and easy travel are one of them. You can also bring your whole family. You can also save a lot of money with the Esaad card and enjoy healthcare and safety. Discounts for tourists and residents give you even more for your money.  

The UAE allows you to establish a business and offers you an enjoyable life. With the right planning and Golden Visa experts, your application should go easy. Getting established in the UAE means you and your family are going to have a promising future.